Biography: Played middle linebacker and offensive line in high school, primarily a guard at Oregon. ... Opted for the USFL in 1984, proactively avoiding the possibility of being drafted by an East Coast team. ... Spent two years in the USFL, the final two years of its existence. ... NFL rights traded by the Giants to Minnesota after the USFL folded in 1985. ... Earned All-Pro second-team honors in his first NFL season, 1986, upgrading to first-team, All-Pro in each of the next three seasons. ... Played in seven Pro Bowls during a 10-year span, 1988-97. ... Played in 169 consecutive games at one point despite serious injury issues.

Today: Lives in Bend, Ore., with his wife, Lisa; they have two daughters.